Annual Awards

In 1991, the Vidalia® Onion Committee began to annually honor one individual with induction into the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame. The Committee considers the recipient’s character, reputation and overall contribution to the growth and success of the Vidalia onion.

Hall of Fame Award

Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame Inductees must be a leader in one or more of the following areas:

Protecting and promoting the name of the Vidalia onion

Protecting and promoting the quality of the Vidalia onion

Advertising and promotion of the Vidalia onion

Creative sales methods for Vidalia onions

Research and growth development of the Vidalia onion

Demonstrating dedication to the success of the Vidalia brand an the industry as a whole

Gerald Dasher

2012

Buck Shuman

2012

Delwin Dowdy

2010

L.G. “Bo” Herndon, Jr.

2011

Danny New

2009

Bob Stafford

2009

Doyle Smittle

2008

Earlie Jordan

2008

Mose Coleman, Sr.

2008

Rodney Taylor Stanley, Sr.

2007

Bill Brown

2006

Raymond Bland

2005

Robert Redding

2004

Ben Jack McDilda

2003

Bobby Harris

2002

Dr. Gale Buchanan

2001

Reid Torrence

2000

W.J. Grimes

1999

Fisher Barfoot

1998

Janice Grimes

1997

Jim Hilderbrandt

1996

Jim Bridges

1995

Lindsay Thomas

1994

Maxwell Smith

1993

Charles McRae

1992

Tommy Irvin

1991

Gerald Achenbach

1990

Grower of the Year Award

The Vidalia® Onion Committee also awards an annual “Grower of the Year” award. The Grower of the Year Award is to recognize overall achievement/success as a producer of Vidalia onions. The emphasis of this award is on quality, production, and ability to work within the confines of the Marketing Order.

Is a registered Vidalia onion grower

Is not an active member of the Vidalia®; Onion Committee

Has submitted reports and payments to the Committee in a timely manner